Lollobrigida to olive growers: “We're working to find solutions to the sector's challenges.”

"Olive oil is an Italian excellence. Our territory boasts over 500 cultivars. Our wealth lies in biodiversity and in our ability to produce the world's finest product. In addition to Xylella, which has reduced our production capacity, there are market fluctuations and unfair practices that prevent the product from being valued and our olive growers and millers from receiving fair compensation," noted Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida. "We have already launched an extraordinary monitoring plan to ensure that all stakeholders in the supply chain play by the rules, and we have launched promotional campaigns to raise awareness of the consumption of Italian-sourced olive oil."

Specifically, several possible lines of intervention were explored: from financial instruments that can be activated through ISMEA, also based on the value of stored product, to the evaluation of potential interventions through AGEA, and even initiating discussions with large-scale retail trade and the HORECA channel to support the marketing and consumption of Italian olive oil. Particular attention was also paid to the need to identify tools capable of supporting businesses' liquidity while simultaneously facilitating the product's introduction to the market, protecting producers and processors and ensuring regular support for the launch of the new campaign.

Furthermore, the Minister of Agriculture emphasized that the Government stands "alongside olive growers" and will "work to find solutions to this difficult situation for the sector." He also noted that the ColtivaItalia bill is currently being approved by the Senate: "a measure that provides €300 million to be dedicated to implementing the National Olive Oil Plan and appointing a special commissioner to combat Xylella."